General Admissions & OTCAS OTCAS 2017-2018 Stats

[Zgroh]

Hi everyone! I am super nervous about applying this fall to OT programs. I just thought we could open this up to those applying or those who have applied to get their stats and where they ended up!
So
GPA -4.0
GRE- 148 V and 153 Q 4.0 AW
Work experience-
I have worked at an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities succeed in a recreational sort of setting for the past 3 years
I am a personal support worker and work one on one with a boy diagnosed with autism
I am a member of Psi Chi
Observation -
About 85 hours in a number of different settings- geriatrics and pediatrics mainly
I want to apply to -
UIC (super competitive), Elmhurst (dont know anymore since their program is like not accredited and might not be until spring of 2018), Rush (105K program), Midwestern (also expensive )
I'm just not feeling too great about the schools I'm applying to. I want a masters program. I am in Illinois if anyone has any suggestions on what I should do, let me know!
Thanks! Feel free to contact me about anything!

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[wiscOT]

Undergraduate University: UW Madison
Degree: Rehabilitation Psychology 2018
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet): 3.65
Prerequisite GPA (not completed yet): 3.65-4.0 depending on school
GRE: 152 V 152 Q 5.0 AW (retaking in early July)

Applying to: UW-Milwaukee, Carroll University, Concordia University, Mount Mary University, St Scholastica, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Rochester), St. Kate's, and UW Madison

Volunteer:
- outpatient OT hand clinic (70+ hours)
- VA Hospital; interviewed veterans with dementia on patient experience, interviews were then placed in medical charts (30 hours)
- teacher assistant in early childhood program known for care with children who have special needs (130+ hours)
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance volunteer - working with a woman who has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment and getting her integrated into community settings (20 hours)
- volunteer fitness trainer for adults and children with disabilities - research with UW OT Director as a part of this experience (120 hours)
- note-taker for students with disabilities

Work:
- physical therapy aide (75+ hours)
- digital imaging specialist in department of pathology (1500 hours)
- research assistant in ASD research lab (170+ hours)
- received honors research grant to work on project related to Down syndrome and dementia (100+ hours)
- group cycling instructor at UW's exercise facility (76+ hours)
- resident assistant (next academic year)
- mentor and therapy assistant for a high school student with ASD (15 hours)

Misc: CPR/AED certified, UW Letters and Science Honors Program, board member of pre-OT club

Observation experience:
- 5 hours elementary education OT
- 70 hours outpatient hand therapy OT
- 40 hours private practice orthopedic OT
- 25 hours early childhood learning center OT
- 65 hours inpatient OT

References:
- Human Development Professor who is also the Principal Investigator in my lab
- Rehab Director at Outpatient Hand Clinic (OT) where I volunteer
- Supervisor at my imaging job

Super excited for the application to open - nervous about my chances but I'm ready to apply this round! I wish you all luck!!

 

[nina620]

Applying to: UW-Milwaukee, Carroll University, Concordia University, Mount Mary University, St Scholastica, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Rochester), and St. Kate's, and UW Madison

Last year, this was pretty much my initial long-list of schools I was considering too! I ended up only applying at UWM (accepted) and Mount Mary (waitlisted) though, due to different factors. I didn't like that Concordia (along with being hella expensive) and U of M Rochester were hybrid, and I decided I didn't really want to move to Minnesota if I could avoid it. I would really try talking to different current students at Carroll if you can, before applying. They just got accredited, so no students have taken the NBCOT, so there's no way of knowing how they'll do. I also was really concerned about how their curriculum is set up. You'd be taking I think 14-15 credits during the summers, and 17 each the first fall and spring semester. It's only 6 terms (including summers) but has around 10-20 credit more than some other programs, including those that are 7 terms. It just seems to me like that would be way too intense a courseload to manage at the graduate level. I could be totally wrong though, and students may love it there, you never know!

 

[wiscOT]

I would really try talking to different current students at Carroll if you can, before applying. They just got accredited, so no students have taken the NBCOT, so there's no way of knowing how they'll do. I also was really concerned about how their curriculum is set up. You'd be taking I think 14-15 credits during the summers, and 17 each the first fall and spring semester. It's only 6 terms (including summers) but has around 10-20 credit more than some other programs, including those that are 7 terms. It just seems to me like that would be way too intense a courseload to manage at the graduate level. I could be totally wrong though, and students may love it there, you never know!

Thank you for your insight! Cost is definitely a factor, and if I get into UWM, Madison, or Mount Mary I would definitely choose one of those due to the cost effectiveness and reliability. UWM is my first choice I've also heard negative things about Carroll and to be hesitant about the program, and I definitely am. It just comes down to the fact that I do not want to take a gap year, and if I have to, I will go there.

 

[Zgroh]

Last year, this was pretty much my initial long-list of schools I was considering too! I ended up only applying at UWM (accepted) and Mount Mary (waitlisted) though, due to different factors. I didn't like that Concordia (along with being hella expensive) and U of M Rochester were hybrid, and I decided I didn't really want to move to Minnesota if I could avoid it. I would really try talking to different current students at Carroll if you can, before applying. They just got accredited, so no students have taken the NBCOT, so there's no way of knowing how they'll do. I also was really concerned about how their curriculum is set up. You'd be taking I think 14-15 credits during the summers, and 17 each the first fall and spring semester. It's only 6 terms (including summers) but has around 10-20 credit more than some other programs, including those that are 7 terms. It just seems to me like that would be way too intense a courseload to manage at the graduate level. I could be totally wrong though, and students may love it there, you never know!

Hi! You make a really good point about Carroll. The very first semester you have two labs!!!

Last year, this was pretty much my initial long-list of schools I was considering too! I ended up only applying at UWM (accepted) and Mount Mary (waitlisted) though, due to different factors. I didn't like that Concordia (along with being hella expensive) and U of M Rochester were hybrid, and I decided I didn't really want to move to Minnesota if I could avoid it. I would really try talking to different current students at Carroll if you can, before applying. They just got accredited, so no students have taken the NBCOT, so there's no way of knowing how they'll do. I also was really concerned about how their curriculum is set up. You'd be taking I think 14-15 credits during the summers, and 17 each the first fall and spring semester. It's only 6 terms (including summers) but has around 10-20 credit more than some other programs, including those that are 7 terms. It just seems to me like that would be way too intense a courseload to manage at the graduate level. I could be totally wrong though, and students may love it there, you never know!

Thank you for your insight! Cost is definitely a factor, and if I get into UWM, Madison, or Mount Mary I would definitely choose one of those due to the cost effectiveness and reliability. UWM is my first choice I've also heard negative things about Carroll and to be hesitant about the program, and I definitely am. It just comes down to the fact that I do not want to take a gap year, and if I have to, I will go there.

What have you heard about Carroll? It does seem like a ton of credits to take each semester. I'm an Illinois resident and Carroll doesn't differentiate with in and out of state tuition so thats why I was looking into it.

 

[wiscOT]

What have you heard about Carroll? It does seem like a ton of credits to take each semester. I'm an Illinois resident and Carroll doesn't differentiate with in and out of state tuition so thats why I was looking into it.

I am living in Madison but many of the OTs I've interacted with went to school in the Milwaukee area and have collaborated with professors/past students at Carroll. Basically, it sounds like they were waiting to get accredited for a very long time due to the course layout of their program. My supervisor was asked to endorse their program during accreditation and she was not willing due to the intense structure of the program. I've taken her word and definitely realize that it is an incredibly fast-paced program, but I think my undergrad experiences have set me up to be successful if that's the route I take.

 

[Zgroh]

I am living in Madison but many of the OTs I've interacted with went to school in the Milwaukee area and have collaborated with professors/past students at Carroll. Basically, it sounds like they were waiting to get accredited for a very long time due to the course layout of their program. My supervisor was asked to endorse their program during accreditation and she was not willing due to the intense structure of the program. I've taken her word and definitely realize that it is an incredibly fast-paced program, but I think my undergrad experiences have set me up to be successful if that's the route I take.

That makes sense. Thank you! I feel like I probably could take on all those credits but just probably not work at all during that time lol.

 

[Zgroh]

Undergraduate University: UW Madison
Degree: Rehabilitation Psychology 2018
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet): 3.65
Prerequisite GPA (not completed yet): 3.65-4.0 depending on school
GRE: 152 V 152 Q 5.0 AW (retaking in early July)

Applying to: UW-Milwaukee, Carroll University, Concordia University, Mount Mary University, St Scholastica, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities and Rochester), St. Kate's, and UW Madison

Volunteer:
- outpatient OT hand clinic (70+ hours)
- VA Hospital; interviewed veterans with dementia on patient experience, interviews were then placed in medical charts (30 hours)
- teacher assistant in early childhood program known for care with children who have special needs (130+ hours)
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance volunteer - working with a woman who has been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment and getting her integrated into community settings (20 hours)
- volunteer fitness trainer for adults and children with disabilities - research with UW OT Director as a part of this experience (120 hours)
- note-taker for students with disabilities

Work:
- physical therapy aide (75+ hours)
- digital imaging specialist in department of pathology (1500 hours)
- research assistant in ASD research lab (170+ hours)
- received honors research grant to work on project related to Down syndrome and dementia (100+ hours)
- group cycling instructor at UW's exercise facility (76+ hours)
- resident assistant (next academic year)
- mentor and therapy assistant for a high school student with ASD (15 hours)

Misc: CPR/AED certified, UW Letters and Science Honors Program, board member of pre-OT club

Observation experience:
- 5 hours elementary education OT
- 70 hours outpatient hand therapy OT
- 40 hours private practice orthopedic OT
- 25 hours early childhood learning center OT
- 65 hours inpatient OT

References:
- Human Development Professor who is also the Principal Investigator in my lab
- Rehab Director at Outpatient Hand Clinic (OT) where I volunteer
- Supervisor at my imaging job

Super excited for the application to open - nervous about my chances but I'm ready to apply this round! I wish you all luck!!

I just had a question. For Concordia's application is says "Documentation of 40 observation hours" Do you know if they want like official/ verified documentation or just the documentation on OTCAS? Thanks!

 

[Travelling_OT_Hopeful]

Undergraduate University: Penn State
Degree: Biobehavioral Health with honors/minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.84
Prerequisite GPA 3.75-3.82 (depends on school)
GRE: Verbal 158 Quant 151 (still waiting on writing, may retake)

Applying to: University of Illinois- Chicago, Temple, Chatham, Salus U, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Maybe UW-Milwaukee
(Still looking for other programs in my budget, location means less than total price. I am from Illinois originally but go to school in PA and think I'll be able to argue residency!)

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 3 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities about health and wellbeing
-Home Health Aide for summer before Senior year/senior year (assists with ADLs, IADLs, transfers, etc.)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human Development and family studies-- completed projects on Human Centered Design for well being and Behavior Acquisition
-Assistant Manager of Concessions at local baseball stadium

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years of volunteering for THON as a committee member (year long fundraiser to support families afflicted with pediatric cancer)
-Campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association Rep (gives tours, works well with others and confident working with all types of people, Executive board member)
-Peer Health Counselor (45 hours a semester of performing fun and interactive health lessons to clubs and greek life organizations on campus, performs health outreach initiatives on campus)
- Community Nutrition and Food Security Club (Vice President)- helped organize food drives for surrounding communities' food banks, organized educational events on campus to inspire and engage students with local food security problems!

Observation experience (total- 143):
- 75 hours in a SNF
- 50 hours in a Rehab Hospital
- 12 hours in home health
- 6 hours in mental health facility
Still hoping to get a peds experience!

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors thesis completed in HDFS

References:
- Biobehavioral Health Professor who I completed an honors project with (the project was composed of a lit review + presentation on pain and functioning in late life with emphasis on active living vs life span)
- OT I shadowed with at the SNF for 75 hours
- Supervising teacher at the daycare I work at

I just decided last year I wanted to do OT so I am kind of behind. Not really sure where all I should apply to, so if you have any ideas of AFFORDABLE programs that I can realistically get in to let me know

 

[wiscOT]

I just had a question. For Concordia's application is says "Documentation of 40 observation hours" Do you know if they want like official/ verified documentation or just the documentation on OTCAS? Thanks!

I cannot confirm either way, but my hours are not signed off and I will just be reporting them through OTCAS. They didn't provide extra documentation guidelines or paperwork regarding observation hours so I'm assuming that should be fine

 

[Zgroh]

Undergraduate University: Penn State
Degree: Biobehavioral Health with honors/minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Cumulative GPA (not completed yet) 3.84
Prerequisite GPA 3.75-3.82 (depends on school)
GRE: Taking the first week of August but I'm a confident test taker

Applying to: University of Illinois- Chicago, Temple, Chatham, Salus U, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, University of Indianapolis, Maybe UW-Milwaukee
(Still looking for other programs in my budget, location means less than total price. I am from Illinois originally but go to school in PA and think I'll be able to argue residency!)

Work:
-Daycare assistant for 3 summers with children ranging from 4-7, created lesson plans and activities about health and wellbeing
-Home Health Aide for summer before Senior year/senior year (assists with ADLs, IADLs, transfers, etc.)
-Undergraduate research assistant in Human Development and family studies-- completed projects on Human Centered Design for well being and Behavior Acquisition
-Assistant Manager of Concessions at local baseball stadium

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
- 3 years of volunteering for THON as a committee member (year long fundraiser to support families afflicted with pediatric cancer)
-Campus tour guide and Student Alumni Association Rep (gives tours, works well with others and confident working with all types of people, Executive board member)
-Peer Health Counselor (45 hours a semester of performing fun and interactive health lessons to clubs and greek life organizations on campus, performs health outreach initiatives on campus)
- Community Nutrition and Food Security Club (Vice President)- helped organize food drives for surrounding communities' food banks, organized educational events on campus to inspire and engage students with local food security problems!

Observation experience (total- 143):
- 75 hours in a SNF
- 50 hours in a Rehab Hospital
- 12 hours in home health
- 6 hours in mental health facility
Still hoping to get a peds experience!

Misc: CPR/AED certified, Honors thesis completed in HDFS

References:
- Biobehavioral Health Professor who I completed an honors project with (the project was composed of a lit review + presentation on pain and functioning in late life with emphasis on active living vs life span)
- OT I shadowed with at the SNF for 75 hours
- Supervising teacher at the daycare I work at

I just decided last year I wanted to do OT so I am kind of behind. Not really sure where all I should apply to, so if you have any ideas of AFFORDABLE programs that I can realistically get in to let me know

Are you looking at both master and doctorate programs? I guess that could open more schools to apply to. It's just so tricky if you don't have the prereqs done!

 

[Zgroh]

I cannot confirm either way, but my hours are not signed off and I will just be reporting them through OTCAS. They didn't provide extra documentation guidelines or paperwork regarding observation hours so I'm assuming that should be fine

There is a sheet that you need to get signed by those who have allowed you to shadow them.

 

[Zgroh]

Last year, this was pretty much my initial long-list of schools I was considering too! I ended up only applying at UWM (accepted) and Mount Mary (waitlisted) though, due to different factors. I didn't like that Concordia (along with being hella expensive) and U of M Rochester were hybrid, and I decided I didn't really want to move to Minnesota if I could avoid it. I would really try talking to different current students at Carroll if you can, before applying. They just got accredited, so no students have taken the NBCOT, so there's no way of knowing how they'll do. I also was really concerned about how their curriculum is set up. You'd be taking I think 14-15 credits during the summers, and 17 each the first fall and spring semester. It's only 6 terms (including summers) but has around 10-20 credit more than some other programs, including those that are 7 terms. It just seems to me like that would be way too intense a courseload to manage at the graduate level. I could be totally wrong though, and students may love it there, you never know!

Concordia is a little less than $30000 a year which honestly isn't as expensive as others. But it is hybrid.

 

[wiscOT]

There is a sheet that you need to get signed by those who have allowed you to shadow them.

If you don't mind me asking, where did you find this sheet? Did you call Concordia? I was unable to find anything on their website or in their course catalog.

 

[Zgroh]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you find this sheet? Did you call Concordia? I was unable to find anything on their website or in their course catalog.

I emailed someone about it. I can personal message you who I contacted or I could send it to you personally.

 

[wiscOT]

GRE: 152 V 152 Q 5.0 AW (retaking in early July)

UPDATE:
155 V 155 Q 5.0 AW

 

[therapist2be]

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
GRE: Taking August 7

Applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Work:
CNA-4 years

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilites

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

 

[OTHopeful6601]

I'm attending WSSU this fall and I was also accepted to ECU if you have any questions! Good luck!!!

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
GRE: Taking August 7

Applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Work:
CNA-4 years

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilites

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

 

[ltnguy61]

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
GRE: Taking August 7

Applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Work:
CNA-4 years

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilites

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

Wow, it's so nice to finally see more people from UH on here! Good luck on applications! I see you're trying to get out of Texas too. I think you'd be a good applicant with the schools in Texas if you want to apply for more

 

[therapist2be]

Wow, it's so nice to finally see more people from UH on here! Good luck on applications! I see you're trying to get out of Texas too. I think you'd be a good applicant with the schools in Texas if you want to apply for more

Well, part of me wants to leave Texas but I would actually prefer to stay in Texas for a cheaper cost and easier to get back home. However, most Texas schools require physics/biomechanics and other biology and chemistry classes and I'm not willing to take those because I already decided on OT after graduating last year and it will take me even longer to complete my pre-req's; I'm just ready to start grad school already and move on. So I'm only applying to two schools in Texas because they don't require those classes. My number one choice was TWU Houston since it would be the most convenient since I live in Houston, but I just realized a few weeks ago that they want all of the pre-req's to be finished by the application deadline in October. I have one outstanding class that will be from August-December (abnormal psyc). So oh well, I had to X them out.

What schools are you applying to?

 

[therapist2be]

I'm attending WSSU this fall and I was also accepted to ECU if you have any questions! Good luck!!!

Congrats! I'm looking forward to you starting at WSSU to see how the program is from an insider!

 

[ltnguy61]

Well, part of me wants to leave Texas but I would actually prefer to stay in Texas for a cheaper cost and easier to get back home. However, most Texas schools require physics/biomechanics and other biology and chemistry classes and I'm not willing to take those because I already decided on OT after graduating last year and it will take me even longer to complete my pre-req's; I'm just ready to start grad school already and move on. So I'm only applying to two schools in Texas because they don't require those classes. My number one choice was TWU Houston since it would be the most convenient since I live in Houston, but I just realized a few weeks ago that they want all of the pre-req's to be finished by the application deadline in October. I have one outstanding class that will be from August-December (abnormal psyc). So oh well, I had to X them out.

What schools are you applying to?

Totally understand where you're coming from. Hopefully, I get in this round too because I already want to be in graduate school and have this part over with also. I plan on applying to TWU-Houston as my first choice along with the other campuses, UTMB, Texas Tech, UTHSC-SA, and University of St. Augustine! All the schools in Texas really. UT-El Paso just seems too far and not sure what there is out there, so I didn't apply for that one!

 

[alh2016]

Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Degree: BS in Health
Cumulative GPA: 3.4
Pre-req GPA: 3.6-3.8 (depends on the program)
GRE: 150 Q, 152 V, 4.0 AW
Applying to: TWU, Texas Tech, UT El Paso, UTHSC San Antonio, UTMB Galveston University St. Augustine Austin, LSU Shreveport (basically all Texas schools!)
Observation hours: 60 at an inpatient rehab unit, 67 at an outpatient pediatric clinic
Work Experience: 1500+ hrs as a Therapy tech in outpatient clinic, acute care and inpatient rehab
References: 1 from Director of Therapy at work, 1 from an OT I shadowed with, and 1 from the CEO of the hospital I work at

This is my 2nd time applying to these programs so hopefully I have spruced up my application enough! Good luck to everyone this cycle!!

 

[harmcharm]

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
GRE: Taking August 7

Applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Work:
CNA-4 years

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilites

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

What made you decide to not apply to more Texas programs? I think you could be a competitive applicant for them. Just curious!

EDIT: Never mind! Just saw your later post.

 

[MadMenOT]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

 

[Zgroh]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

I'm not sure if you can pick and choose. You should definitely contact OTCAS. I've heard from others they reply fast

 

[therapist2be]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

I don't think you can. Whatever you put in OTCAS goes to all of the schools you apply to.

 

[MadMenOT]

I'm not sure if you can pick and choose. You should definitely contact OTCAS. I've heard from others they reply fast

Thank you and therapist2be for your replies! That's good to know, I'll contact them.

 

[JToT2324]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

Hello,
From my experience I was told to put no more then 3 LOR that you really want programs to read since it's done at random.

 

[WanderlustOT]

Hello! Can someone explain the process of evaluations through OTCAS? Most of my applications require 3 LORs, but I have 5 potential evaluators (OTCAS max). I'd like evaluators A, B, and C to submit to Program 1 while evaluators A, B, and D to submit to Program 2, and so on. Can I choose certain evaluators to submit to specific programs through OTCAS?

I actually talked to an OTCAS representative about this bc I had the same question. All letters you provide will be available for the schools to view. They'll be able to see if it's from an OT or a professor/other professional, and depending on what that school requires, then they will select which to view at random. For example, if you provided 2 letters from OTs, but the school only requires 1 from an OT, then they will just look at 1 of the 2 you provided. Or if you have 3 different professors & the school only requires 2, then they will select to view 2 random professors out of the 3 you provided.

Hope that helps!

 

[MadMenOT]

I actually talked to an OTCAS representative about this bc I had the same question. All letters you provide will be available for the schools to view. They'll be able to see if it's from an OT or a professor/other professional, and depending on what that school requires, then they will select which to view at random. For example, if you provided 2 letters from OTs, but the school only requires 1 from an OT, then they will just look at 1 of the 2 you provided. Or if you have 3 different professors & the school only requires 2, then they will select to view 2 random professors out of the 3 you provided.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for the detailed response! That was part of the reason I asked the question--one program requires an academic reference but I feel my strongest 3 are from a combination of OTs and work professionals. I may end up submitting all 5, but have one OT, one supervisor, and one academic as my first three.

I also contacted OTCAS with the same question and will update here when I receive a response.

 

[Zgroh]

How are people approaching the essays? Are you guys using like the word limit or just saying what you have to and not worrying about it?

 

[bee512]

Undergraduate University: Wake Forest University
Degree: BS in Health and Exercise Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.503
Prerequisite GPA: 3.8
GRE: 151 V 158 Q 4.5 AW

Applying to: WSSU, ECU, UNC, Lenoir Rhyne, JMU, UF

Observation Hours:
- outpatient peds PT/OT (50+ hours)
- inpatient peds OT (10 hours)
- adult day care center (40 hours)

Work Experience:
- rehabilitation aide at acute care hospital (1500+ hours)
- cadaver lab TA at WFU (150 hours)
- ambulatory nursing administration intern at hospital (150+ hours)
- WFU fitness team and instructor (3 years)

Misc: Anthropology Honor Society, First Aid, BLS, CPR/AED certified, Mentor in Student Leadership Program, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble

References:
1 from Rehab Supervisor (MEd, CCC-SLP) at hospital
1 from Anatomy Professor and TA Supervisor
1 from OT in outpatient peds
1 from OTA in acute care?

Currently at a stand still with my application process, I have been debating for the last couple weeks on whether or not to take the GRE again. I have been leaning towards not taking it again so that I can focus on my essays and apps but I'd also hate to not give myself another chance.

Also I contacted a school recently to see if the physiology courses I took at Wake would meet the requirement and although I took a human physiology, exercise physiology, and a lecture/lab course based on physiology, none of them seem to meet the requirement.The school suggested that I take a lab course at a community college to get credit, is anyone else having a problem with getting classes to transfer over? My biggest fear is that not having a class count towards my prerequisites and having that lower my chances compared to someone who has completed them all.

 

[Zgroh]

Undergraduate University: Wake Forest University
Degree: BS in Health and Exercise Science
Cumulative GPA: 3.503
Prerequisite GPA: 3.8
GRE: 151 V 158 Q 4.5 AW

Applying to: WSSU, ECU, UNC, Lenoir Rhyne, JMU, UF

Observation Hours:
- outpatient peds PT/OT (50+ hours)
- inpatient peds OT (10 hours)
- adult day care center (40 hours)

Work Experience:
- rehabilitation aide at acute care hospital (1500+ hours)
- cadaver lab TA at WFU (150 hours)
- ambulatory nursing administration intern at hospital (150+ hours)
- WFU fitness team and instructor (3 years)

Misc: Anthropology Honor Society, First Aid, BLS, CPR/AED certified, Mentor in Student Leadership Program, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble

References:
1 from Rehab Supervisor (MEd, CCC-SLP) at hospital
1 from Anatomy Professor and TA Supervisor
1 from OT in outpatient peds
1 from OTA in acute care?

Currently at a stand still with my application process, I have been debating for the last couple weeks on whether or not to take the GRE again. I have been leaning towards not taking it again so that I can focus on my essays and apps but I'd also hate to not give myself another chance.

Also I contacted a school recently to see if the physiology courses I took at Wake would meet the requirement and although I took a human physiology, exercise physiology, and a lecture/lab course based on physiology, none of them seem to meet the requirement.The school suggested that I take a lab course at a community college to get credit, is anyone else having a problem with getting classes to transfer over? My biggest fear is that not having a class count towards my prerequisites and having that lower my chances compared to someone who has completed them all.

Are you sure that none of them meet the requirement? I would contact someone and add in like the course descriptions from each of the classes.
It is entirely possible that a school would favor someone who has all prereqs done vs someone who doesn't. It seems you have a good background in physiology so try and ask.
Also I think your GRE is really high and a good score. Remember its a standardized test so you are only at like a one or two point increase...

 

[bee512]

Are you sure that none of them meet the requirement? I would contact someone and add in like the course descriptions from each of the classes.
It is entirely possible that a school would favor someone who has all prereqs done vs someone who doesn't. It seems you have a good background in physiology so try and ask.
Also I think your GRE is really high and a good score. Remember its a standardized test so you are only at like a one or two point increase...

Yeah I spoke with someone from admissions, provided course descriptions and even offered to send the syllabus for the courses. I'm sooo desperate to avoid having to spend $1000 to repeat a course andget the credit. I've already accepted that I will probably have to especially considering that other schools may have similar requirements. Just nervous that I won't be able to get into a course in time before the end of the app cycle.

 

[Zgroh]

Yeah I spoke with someone from admissions, provided course descriptions and even offered to send the syllabus for the courses. I'm sooo desperate to avoid having to spend $1000 to repeat a course andget the credit. I've already accepted that I will probably have to especially considering that other schools may have similar requirements. Just nervous that I won't be able to get into a course in time before the end of the app cycle.

You could probably take it at a community college. Do they want it to be done before the app cycle is over? Sometimes they just want it done before you start classes for the program.

 

[nOTeworthy]

How are people approaching the essays? Are you guys using like the word limit or just saying what you have to and not worrying about it?

If you're talking about the school's essay at the end of OTCAS or a separate site, I believe it'll only allow you to post words within the given limitation. It'll cut off what doesn't fit. It did for me. If they have a word limit, they usually mean it and did it for reason. Someone who can articulate their thoughts and sell themselves in a paragraph looks far better than someone who needs pages to do it. So I'd seriously follow their guidelines.

 

[Zgroh]

If you're talking about the school's essay at the end of OTCAS or a separate site, I believe it'll only allow you to post words within the given limitation. It'll cut off what doesn't fit. It did for me. If they have a word limit, they usually mean it and did it for reason. Someone who can articulate their thoughts and sell themselves in a paragraph looks far better than someone who needs pages to do it. So I'd seriously follow their guidelines.

Right I know you have to follow the guidelines given but like one school has given a 9000 character limit which seems like a lot. Personally I'm like a little over a 1000 characters so I was just wondering if this is okay.

 

[othopeful93]

Right I know you have to follow the guidelines given but like one school has given a 9000 character limit which seems like a lot. Personally I'm like a little over a 1000 characters so I was just wondering if this is okay.

The general rule of thumb for personal statements as given by my upper level writing professor is get what you want to say out in an eloquently written way, less is more and show, don't tell. I used 2.5 pages double space, 1134 words. I know people that have written one in 1.5 pages and people that have written them in 5 pages. If you're happy with it and it is a strong essay, you should fine.

 

[WiscoWannabeOT]

Right I know you have to follow the guidelines given but like one school has given a 9000 character limit which seems like a lot. Personally I'm like a little over a 1000 characters so I was just wondering if this is okay.

I think you might be mixing up characters and words. Characters count every letter, punctuation mark, and space, so it's really easy to get a high number. 1000 characters is probably only about a decent-sized paragraph in length, whereas 1000 words is closer to a page and a half.

 

[nOTeworthy]

Right I know you have to follow the guidelines given but like one school has given a 9000 character limit which seems like a lot. Personally I'm like a little over a 1000 characters so I was just wondering if this is okay.

Oh, well then yeah. You'll be fine. LoL My schools limited me to 300-350 words. About half a page.

 

[Zgroh]

I think you might be mixing up characters and words. Characters count every letter, punctuation mark, and space, so it's really easy to get a high number. 1000 characters is probably only about a decent-sized paragraph in length, whereas 1000 words is closer to a page and a half.

Right. There is something on word that counts it and I know that would seem like 9000 actually isn't a lot, but it actually is lol. I wrote like 3 paragraphs and it was only like a little over a thousand characters, including spaces. Just was wondering what everyone thought. Maybe they just give the limit so they aren't reading like 5 pages of stuff.

 

[OTeezy]

Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Degree: BS in Health
Cumulative GPA: 3.4
Pre-req GPA: 3.6-3.8 (depends on the program)
GRE: 150 Q, 152 V, 4.0 AW
Applying to: TWU, Texas Tech, UT El Paso, UTHSC San Antonio, UTMB Galveston University St. Augustine Austin, LSU Shreveport (basically all Texas schools!)
Observation hours: 60 at an inpatient rehab unit, 67 at an outpatient pediatric clinic
Work Experience: 1500+ hrs as a Therapy tech in outpatient clinic, acute care and inpatient rehab
References: 1 from Director of Therapy at work, 1 from an OT I shadowed with, and 1 from the CEO of the hospital I work at

This is my 2nd time applying to these programs so hopefully I have spruced up my application enough! Good luck to everyone this cycle!!

Hi, I am also applying to LSU shreveport, your stats are better than mine so I'm wondering why you didn't get in last cycle? are you a louisiana resident?

 

[alh2016]

Hi, I am also applying to LSU shreveport, your stats are better than mine so I'm wondering why you didn't get in last cycle? are you a louisiana resident?

My stats last year were not like they are now. I retook 3 classes to improve my GPA and got more observation hours. When I asked the school why I didn't get an interview last year they said my GPA was holding me back. And no I'm a Texas resident.

 

[OTeezy]

My stats last year were not like they are now. I retook 3 classes to improve my GPA and got more observation hours. When I asked the school why I didn't get an interview last year they said my GPA was holding me back. And no I'm a Texas resident.

I see, I have also retaken some classes to get A's... Best of luck to you!

 

[therapist2be]

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (1 class in progress)
GRE: Taking August 7

Applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Work:
CNA-4 years

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilities

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

UPDATE

Undergraduate University: University of Houston
Degree: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cumulative GPA: 3.8
Prerequisite GPA 3.85 (2 classes in progress)
GRE: Q: 139 (abysmal, yes I know), V: 157, AW: 4.0

Was applying to: East Carolina, Winston Salem State, Abilene Christian, Bay Path, Trinity Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Temple, St. Kate's, UM-Minnesota (Minneapolis & Rochester), UTEP (Maybe) (half are on OTCAS, half aren't)

Now applying to: ACU, Texas Tech, St. Kate’s, UMN (both campuses), USciences, D’Youville, Bay Path, AIC, Springfield, Trinity Washington, Stockton, UTEP, Temple, WSSU. Thinking about adding Columbia and NYU but idk because they're so expensive.


Work:
CNA-4+ years, ~ 5,130+ hours

Volunteer/Extracurriculars:
Local hospital cancer admin center
School for children with hearing and speech disabilities
Homeless shelter (forgot about this one)

Observation experience (total- 83):
- 23 hours acute care (done)
- 20 peds (will begin in August)
- 20 (may possibly change to 43) hours hands (will begin in August)
- 20 hours inpatient rehab (will begin soon)

References:
3 from college profs
1 from OT from the 23 hours acute care
1 from manager (will ask her this week)

I switched to OT after graduating last year so I'm behind as well. Having a hard time getting some observation hours started but hopefully I can squeeze it all in soon, and do well enough on the GRE so I won't have to retake it. I also don't have a lot of impressive experience so hopefully I still get in somewhere.

*** So as you can see I did not do well on the Quant section of the GRE (not surprised). However, I have added some schools that don't require the GRE (I now have to take physics as a result). So now I have 11 schools that don't require the GRE and four schools that do. Of those four schools I took off ECU because they require a 151 on both sections which I know I will not get. Temple accepts the MAT as well so I might take that instead for them. As for UTEP and WSSU, I either apply with my current GRE scores or not apply to them at all because it's just not worth it to me to pay another $195 to retake the test for only two schools. What do you all think? I'm leaning toward scratching those two schools as well and MAYBE taking the MAT (hopefully doing better) and still apply to Temple.

 

[OTschoolpickme]

Hello everyone I am super nervous for this upcoming cycle!
Major: Kinesiology
Overall GPA: 3.3
Pre-Req GPA: 3.5 for most schools

GRE: Q: 146 V: 145 W: 4 (Retaking in a few weeks)

Experience: Mexico mission trip with experiences working with children with special needs, Founding member of Pre-OT society, Member of Alpha Phi Omega, Work in an Autism Clinic

Work: ABA therapist and paraeducator

Observation: 50 shadowing at elementary school, 60 shadowing at Nursing home, 76 hours shadowing at hospital (inpatient & outpatient), 20 hours shadowing PT at private PT clinic

References: 2 advisors, 2 OTs

Applying to: Cal State Dominguez Hills, MCPHS, Allen College, University of Texas El Paso, Touro University- Nevada, St. Augustine TX, Pacific University & Midwestern
Any other suggestions?

 

[hercurlinessOT]

Hi everyone! Ahh! The time has come.

Some of the stats in this thread are super intimidating. Lol. But here are mine:

Undergrad:
-B.A. in Psychology from CBU, 3.9 GPA, Summa Cum Laude
-A.A. in Liberal Arts from MSJC, 3.9 GPA, Honors Enrichment Program Graduate
Prerequisite GPA: 4.0 (only have to take statistics and physics - stats this fall, physics in the spring)

Volunteer:
-Children's club leader in a church for 3+ years, different age groups
-Volunteered at summer programs (VBS and music drama day camps) for children
-Spent an extended weekend at a special needs family camp taking care of a 5 year old with PTSD and fine motor skill deficiencies
-Volunteered on short missions (passing out necessities to people in Tijuana, Mexico, and serving food at a thanksgiving dinner for low-income families in the community)
-Random volunteer stuff (volunteered serving food at community weddings and funerals)

Employment:
-Writing Tutor at my college
-Supplement Instructor (kind of like a TA) at my college
-Librarian
-Physical therapy aide (hundreds of hours of paid experience)

Extras (Awards/Achievements/Accolades)
-Presented at an honors conference on neoromantic literature
-Certified Writing Tutor (College of Reading and Learning Association)
-Certificate of Excellence Award from my community college mentor (the director of learning resources as well as my professor)
-President's list repeatedly
-Completed a "Future Physician Leaders" program through University of California, Riverside, and conducted mental health awareness research in my community - along with others - that is to be published by the UCR School of Medicine
-Currently assisting in electron modulation research in a double-blind study
-CPR/First Aid Certified for adults, children, and infants

OT:
38 hours in a neurofeedback-therapy based OT clinic
I play to get way more in pediatrics and inpatient in the next few weeks! I'm running out of time!

GRE: Studying for now

Applying to: CSUDH (don't think I'll get in), USC, Pacific University, Loma Linda, Touro, St. Augustine, and perhaps several others.

 

[OT2BE2017]

Hi everyone! Ahh! The time has come.

Some of the stats in this thread are super intimidating. Lol. But here are mine:

Undergrad:
-B.A. in Psychology from CBU, 3.9 GPA, Summa Cum Laude
-A.A. in Liberal Arts from MSJC, 3.9 GPA, Honors Enrichment Program Graduate
Prerequisite GPA: 4.0 (only have to take statistics and physics - stats this fall, physics in the spring)

Volunteer:
-Children's club leader in a church for 3+ years, different age groups
-Volunteered at summer programs (VBS and music drama day camps) for children
-Spent an extended weekend at a special needs family camp taking care of a 5 year old with PTSD and fine motor skill deficiencies
-Volunteered on short missions (passing out necessities to people in Tijuana, Mexico, and serving food at a thanksgiving dinner for low-income families in the community)
-Random volunteer stuff (volunteered serving food at community weddings and funerals)

Employment:
-Writing Tutor at my college
-Supplement Instructor (kind of like a TA) at my college
-Librarian
-Physical therapy aide (hundreds of hours of paid experience)

Extras (Awards/Achievements/Accolades)
-Presented at an honors conference on neoromantic literature
-Certified Writing Tutor (College of Reading and Learning Association)
-Certificate of Excellence Award from my community college mentor (the director of learning resources as well as my professor)
-President's list repeatedly
-Completed a "Future Physician Leaders" program through University of California, Riverside, and conducted mental health awareness research in my community - along with others - that is to be published by the UCR School of Medicine
-Currently assisting in electron modulation research in a double-blind study
-CPR/First Aid Certified for adults, children, and infants

OT:
38 hours in a neurofeedback-therapy based OT clinic
I play to get way more in pediatrics and inpatient in the next few weeks! I'm running out of time!

GRE: Studying for now

Applying to: CSUDH (don't think I'll get in), USC, Pacific University, Loma Linda, Touro, St. Augustine, and perhaps several others.

Without a doubt, if you at least score USC's GRE minimums you will get in due to your high undergrad GPA. I am not sure when you are planning to apply to CSUDH, but you do need ALL your pre-reqs to be done before you apply. Likewise, if you score at least a 4.5 in the AWA section of the GRE I know you will have a great chance getting into CSUDH, especially with your high GPA.

 

[LeggOT]

Undergraduate University: Texas A&M University
Degree: BS in Health
Cumulative GPA: 3.4
Pre-req GPA: 3.6-3.8 (depends on the program)
GRE: 150 Q, 152 V, 4.0 AW
Applying to: TWU, Texas Tech, UT El Paso, UTHSC San Antonio, UTMB Galveston University St. Augustine Austin, LSU Shreveport (basically all Texas schools!)
Observation hours: 60 at an inpatient rehab unit, 67 at an outpatient pediatric clinic
Work Experience: 1500+ hrs as a Therapy tech in outpatient clinic, acute care and inpatient rehab
References: 1 from Director of Therapy at work, 1 from an OT I shadowed with, and 1 from the CEO of the hospital I work at

This is my 2nd time applying to these programs so hopefully I have spruced up my application enough! Good luck to everyone this cycle!!

Hey your stats are pretty good! How were they before and what difference did you make this time?